Our state weed hasn’t been quite as evident in recent weeks, but a few bluebonnets are beginning to pop up.   Rain, of course, helps with that.   The barn in the first shot has been photographed with bluebonnets a few times.   The other two shots were from right here in Taylor last evening,  not far from home.

A few photographs taken last night at the rookery, in Taylor’s Murphy Park.   The arrival of the egrets (and a few Ibis) this year is a bit later, but they’re coming as fast as they can.   Some of the trees where they built their nests have been damaged by weather since last year.   They’re finding places, still sharing them with cormorants, with us throughout the year.   The rookery is just minutes from our home.   At this time of year, when not feeling the urge to burn up many miles looking for rural scenes, I come here and just observe.   If potential stormy weather doesn’t interfere, Good Life Taylor is holding their annual Bird Parade Saturday, from 10a.m.-noon.   Participants, often dressed in bird costumes, gather at Memorial Stadium, then parade to the rookery site.   I always mention the best time to see the birds is either very early, at dawn, or near sunset, but I’m glad a few folks in Taylor appreciate the protected species that come here every Spring.   Quite a few longtime residents don’t cotton to the egrets, who mention the birds make quite a mess in their yards and on their roofs.  We live nearby and have never had those issues.   These birds are a treasure.  

The barns feature continues.  This post begins with one photographed tonight, right here in Taylor.  It’s been a subject for years.   Two photos of it are offered here.    My impression is  that this barn is being dismantled, but the owners, who I know, could confirm.   Others are just barns I like.   One appears to have sustained some damage.  A couple were photographed after a storm, when golden light was predominant.   This and that.  The post concludes with one only seen last night, along a dirt road in North Williamson County, Texas.   It’s good to document places before they leave us.

The Huntington Sculpture Garden in Coupland, just minutes south of our Taylor home, is mesmerizing.  In 2009, before I met him, I was astonished at the work of artist Jim Huntington.  His stone and metal creations, weighing tons, are elegant.   For years, I’ve photographed his Huntington Sculpture Foundation work.   Light and shadow seem to dance across their facades.   Now in his 80s,  Jim now concentrates on drawing and painting.  He stays busy, focused.  Note that the cactus in the last photo blend tastefully compliment Jim’s work.   If you’re in the Coupland area this weekend, there’s a Huntington Sculpture Foundation Open House, from 12-4 on Saturday.   If it’s rainy, a possibility, the gathering will be Sunday , same time frame.

As it’s sometimes difficult to get your attention with just words, a photograph is included, one of St. Peter’s Church of Coupland, taken in February.

Growing up in the 50s and 60s, many of us lived by a mantra:  don’t discuss politics and religion.   In 2025, I continue to embrace that notion, even more so since the practice of journalism is still part of my nomenclature.

When logging into social media accounts now, there’s a mind-numbing barrage of posts from friends with wide-ranging view points, some from the left, some on the right.    Many of you post links with  your comments, hoping to reinforce your point of view.   Honestly, by doing so, you’re preaching to the converted, friends who already agree with you.   Others won’t bother to read those links anyway.   Mentioned before, but today’s social media was preceded by years with a feature in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution called “The Vent,” where folks would write or email their frustrations, many ending up in print.   It was very popular.    And well-edited by Joey Ledford.

Many journalist friends who’ve retired feel it’s time to let loose on social media.  Contrary to what you think, their views come from diverse sides of the political spectrum.    I parted ways with a colleague a few years ago when he continued to post misleading information on Facebook.   Yours truly  fact-checks things.

These are difficult times.   Some of us, while politically-engaged, keep our thoughts private.   Many of us embrace legacy media, not social media.  The internet is chock full of  unreliable sources.   Take what you find there with a grain of salt.    How many rely on a news source because they confirm everything you already believe? How many think the two major parties are going to solve your problems?  Lord help you if so.   This post isn’t meant to start an argument.  Take that elsewhere.

If you don’t want to read my occasional comments, just look at photographs.

Just some vintage tractor photographs tonight, friends.   A couple of these might still run.   One  nice gent who allowed me to photograph his tractor asked if I’d like to buy it!    He needs to keep that beautiful workhorse.

A leftover photograph, taken Sunday evening near the San Gabriel River.  A Waxing Crescent moon, barely a sliver, shines over a stand of trees.

033025 GEORGETOWN, TEXAS: A Waxing Crescent moon, at 4.1 % visibility, shines over trees in the Mankins Crossing area adjacent to the San Gabriel River on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Photo by Andy Sharp. 31

Yes, there’s another squirrel included with this post.   They’re fascinating and photogenic little critters.   Mostly, they skedaddle when confronted, but sometimes they seem to pose.   One of the nicest things about walk photos is not having to worry about getting mowed down when stopping for a photo, like in my car.   An earlier walk post said about 200 photos were taken per walk.  It’s actually almost double that.  12 offered tonight.  A lot of editing comes into play here.  

A few photographs from last night and this evening, signs of crop growth on the Blackland Prairie.   It’s been a tough few months.   Our land is parched.   A bit of rain arrived this week.   Every little bit helps.    I’m seeing wheat and corn crops now.   The opening photograph was taken east of Taylor tonight.   Others are from Friday evening, east of Granger.    Bring us more rain.

That little bird was determined to keep an eye on her surroundings as a Crested Caracara arrived on the scene last night.   The little, I’m pretty sure it’s a mockingbird, was likely defending a nearby nest.   No big old bird was going to invade the space.   The light level was low on this cloudy evening near Weir, Texas.   I was able to take a few photographs from a distance before big bird decided she’d had enough.   Photo quality isn’t the best, but the activity made it worth a post.   Note that I’m not a fan of using software sharpening tools that rely on Artificial Intelligence.   Many of you are using them.    My Adobe Creative Cloud subscription has AI tools available, but so far, I don’t go there.   Simple philosophy, friends:  if you miss, you miss.